Under 18 policy in Canada
Since gambling involves risk, Canadians benefit from robust policies that regulate online gambling practices. Importantly, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to gamble online – a strictly enforced restriction.
In Canada, licensed casinos can enforce age limits through Know Your Customer (KYC) practices. These require identification and proof of residence – without them, account creation is impossible.
Gambling Addiction
As previously mentioned, gambling can sometimes lead to addiction. Similar to other dependencies, it's a mental disorder and can be hard to control. Even aware of the harm, individuals often can't cease gambling.
Intense gambling addictions don’t just impact the individual but also their loved ones. It can disrupt mental health, family life, work, relationships, and finances.
Gambling addiction manifests in three forms. Let’s quickly delve into each to provide clarity:
Problem
Addictions vary in severity, and the 'problem gambler' is often the least intense. Such gamblers continue playing despite losses, lacking the will to stop. While chasing losses is common, problem gamblers persist beyond their financial limits.
Compulsive
Compulsive gamblers exhibit zero self-control. Often ignoring the repercussions of their actions, they may find themselves in financial ruin as they tend to spend beyond their means to sustain their habit.
Binge
Binge gamblers can remain inactive for long periods but, once they resume, they tend to gamble excessively. They manage the frequency but lose all control once they're in the act.
How to spot gambling addiction
For those who gamble or know gamblers, spotting warning signs is valuable. Below is a helpful list of behaviors to watch for that might signal an issue:
- Gambling preoccupies your daily thoughts and you anticipate the next opportunity to play.
- Halting gambling for a time results in irritability or agitation.
- Gambling becomes a method to alleviate stress.
- There's no spending limit on gambling or recouping losses.
- Gambling is hidden from loved ones.
- Attempts to quit gambling are unsuccessful.
- Engagement in illegal acts to fund the gambling habit.
Responsible gambling tools
Should you suspect a gambling issue or an inclination towards addiction, several precautionary steps are available. Fortunately, Canadian casinos offer responsible gaming tools.
Self-exclusion
Most casinos, and all recommended by FatGambler, implement responsible gaming strategies such as self-exclusion, allowing you to lock your account for six months to a year. During this lock period, even casinos can’t reopen the account or send promotions.
Cool-off
Self-exclusion is quite stringent, but shorter cool-off periods are an alternative. Many casinos offer temporary account suspension from 24 hours to 7 days, reclaimable post timeout upon contacting the casino.
Deposit limits
Prevention can begin with setting casinos’ deposit limits, dictating the maximum spendable amount over daily, weekly, or monthly periods, aiding in better financial management.
Helpful responsible gambling options
If previous interventions prove inadequate, Canada possesses additional resources. The OLG Responsible Gaming Program in Ontario equips you with gambling insights, empowering informed play decisions.
Similarly, the Responsible Gaming Council offers educational resources, while the Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling provides further assistance.
Ultimately, gambling should be enjoyable. When it stops being fun, seek guidance or assistance.
